Mr. Piacentini has served as Senior Vice President, International Retail for Amazon.com since January 2007. From November 2001 until December 2006, Piacentini served as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Retail and Marketing and, from February 2000 until November 2001, he held the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager, International.

Prior to joining Amazon.com, Piacentini was Vice President and General Manager of Apple Computer Europe, where he headed operations for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Piacentini joined Apple Computer in 1987. He held several financial management positions through 1993, including Sales Director for Apple Italy in 1994 and General Manager for Apple Italy in May 1995.

Piacentini holds a degree in economics from Bocconi University of Milan. An Italian national, he has traveled and worked extensively across Europe, Asia, and North America.

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Description

For Amazon, all operations are equal until proven - with data - that they need to be changed. For example, in China, it became apparent that Amazon had to invest in delivery systems for the last mile - which often means bicycle delivery. This unique need also mandated software for customers to schedule an exact delivery time, and for delivery staff to process payments. Amazon Senior VP Diego Pacentini uses this as an example of how the company adapts to its environment while still adhering to its core vision.